Leslie Keller Books

Now that the chilly weather is upon us even those of us who live in Arizona, where our coolest temps aren't below sixty in the winter, need some indoor activities. I can't think of anything I love more than sitting by a fire with a good book and a cup of hot cocoa.  Well, maybe change the cocoa to a glass of nice Cabernet, but other than that the scene is perfect. Here are a few new releases to kick of the year from some of the biggest name authors in the business, along with a short snippet from the book advertising. I must comment that any author who can write the same character for more than ten books amazes me. For Nora Roberts to write not only under her own name but also under the pen name of J. D. Robb is nothing short of astounding. James Patterson - The People vs. Alex Cross  Alex Cross has never been on the wrong side of the law-until now. Charged with gunning down followers of his nemesis Gary Soneji in cold blood, Cross is being turned into the poster child fo...

I have a long way to go and a short time to get there to quote the old song from Smokey and the Bandit (yes I'm old enough to remember when that came out in the movies!).  Despite that I thought it would be fun to post a very early draft of the next Jayne Stanford mystery.  It's more than likely that this will change and could even be removed but you will have seen where my thought process is going for what is tentatively titled, No Reservations. No Reservations             “Jayne, what is the first thing you think of when I say snow?”             “Let me think. Growing up on the eastern shore of Maryland we never got much snow but when we did it was no school snow days, cold toes and my mom putting about fifteen layers of clothes on me before I could waddle out the door.”             “Okay, let’s t...

I have a cat who is a thief. Chance will sneak in and swipe the one screw needed to finish assembling the new ceiling fan. If you happen to leave your cell phone on the counter, he will make it his mission to knock it to the floor and then try to put it where you won't ever look.  If you happen to leave anything that can roll, bounce, scoot, or be dragged it will disappear. I've found many 'lost' items under the dining room table or where only someone with a six foot long arm could reach. All the while I'm sure he is chuckling to himself about the trouble he has caused. His latest escapade made me wonder about crazy animal criminals and if they are as funny as their human counterparts.  Here are a few provided by a Fox News article. Velvet monkeys in St. Kitt's are known for their love of alcohol. They will roam the beaches waiting for vacationers to step away from their drinks. Then it's off to have a party of their own, cocktails in hand. Dusty the h...

It's almost time for the Glendale Chocolate Affaire. This has been one of the events I enjoy the most and I treasure the opportunity to meet new and existing readers.  I'm your biggest fan! Happy Trails, Leslie View my Website       Twitter       Instagram       Facebook       Menu for Murder       Cocktails at Sunset

I'm always interested in what a cowboy does in our modern world.  In my various searches I came across help wanted ads and I found the job descriptions interesting. Here's one example for a Foreman of a cattle operation. Seeking a foreman to manage two separate operations in Southern Arizona. The ranches are each approximately 200 cow/calf in size. Duties will include; feeding, taking care of both herds of cattle, calving, doctoring and riding young horses. Must be proficient and willing to ride young horses. The operation requires an astute individual who takes pride in watching and knowing his or her cowherd as one of the herds makes replacement heifers for the other ranches. We AI the entire cow herd and expect thorough knowledge about each herd. Must be willing to work with others and long days are sometimes required. The ranches are part of a larger operation. Good pay, bonuses and experience are only part of the benefits the job can offer . And one for a ra...

I try to review restaurants in Arizona but every once in awhile I get the opportunity to dine in another city.  Always on the alert for something new and yummy, I was on the verge of gluttony in Chicago. It's a gastronomical adventure to dine in this city and the options seem unlimited.  I would love to review them all but sadly I had only a few days to sample the deliciousness. Eataly Restaurant is a chain started by Oscar Farinetti joined by famous partners, Joe Bastianich, Lidia Bastianich and Mario Batali.  The flagship location was in Torino Italy and now there are two restaurants in New York, one in Chicago and Boston. The concept is nothing short of stupendous.  An Italian grocery, bakery, wine shop and restaurant on two floors with regular wine tasting events. If you aren't sucked in by the beautiful wares offered the food will push you over the top. You can shop for fresh produce, gourmet cheeses and meats, fresh pasta and dessert. If you don't want to c...

I happened across this book on my Kindle and, since I had never read this author and it was a cozy, decided to give it a try.  I'm glad I did. The reader gets a feel for the main character, Maisie right from the start. She has moved to Florida and taken a job as a hotel manager in order to care for her mother. They live onsite in the hotel in an apartment of sorts.  I was confused trying to picture a hotel which has apartments with kitchens but I know they exist. Maisie has a nervous habit of always fidgeting and has very little confidence in her managerial abilities. In her spare time she's a mystery writer - so how could I not like the character?  Although this was book one I felt as if I had missed some of her backstory.  We know she's thirty-five but at times her mother seems older or younger depending on the scene. There were a few lines, such as this one when she describes her dog, which I loved. "I've always said he'd betray our whole family for ...

Egg Nog is a very traditional holiday drink with or without rum. Originally, Wassail was a drink made with ale, roasted applies, toasted bread, raisins and currants. The name is derived from the Gaelic toast, Was Hael! which means Be Well.  I don't know anyone who has time to prepare all of that so here are two easy versions. It's up to you whether you include rum or not. Egg Nog 6 eggs 1 cup sugar 1/2 teas salt 1 cup rum 1 1/2 teas vanilla 1 quart light cream or milk dash of nutmeg to taste Beat eggs until light and foamy. Add sugar, salt and vanilla. Add rum and cream Stir well Chill - overnight if possible Sprinkle with nutmeg before serving. Sparkling Orange Egg Nog 1 quart orange juice, chilled 1/4 cup lemon juice - fresh is best 3 eggs 2 tablespoons sugar dash cinnamon dash cloves 1 pint vanilla ice cream 16 oz ginger ale - or sparkling wine dash of nutmeg to taste Beat eggs until light and foamy. Add 2 cups of the orange juice, lemon juice...